Julie crosses her arms, giving me her best intimidating-bakery-owner stare. "Want to tell me why the entire town thinks you're dying?"
"I'm not dying."
"I KNOW you're not dying because if you were dying, your BEST FRIEND would know about it. But apparently everyone else got the memo that you're seriously ill. Dorothy is organizing a prayer circle. Daisy posted a GoFundMe for your 'medical expenses.' I had to shut it down."
"There's a GoFundMe?"
"WAS a GoFundMe. I made Daisy delete it." Julie leans against her desk. "Sophie said you looked green at the wine exhibition. You've been avoiding everyone. You won't return calls. People are worried."
I could tell her. Should tell her. But my brothers just found out two days ago and I'm still processing the fact that they assumed I was dying.
"I've been dealing with some things," I say carefully. "Work stress. Big decisions. It got... misinterpreted."
"Misinterpreted." Julie's eyes narrow. "Emma, Sophie said you looked green at the wine exhibition. You dumped wine in a plant. You've been avoiding everyone. You won't return calls. What's going on?"
"I merged my practice with Preston & Associates."
She blinks. "You what?"
"I'm joining them. Keeping my clients and autonomy, but getting their support and resources. I start officially today."
"That's... huge. That's really smart, actually." She pauses. "But that doesn't explain the wine dumping."
"And I voted for Brennen to expand Celtic Knot instead of selling."
"Okay, so you made two massive decisions. Good for you. But Emma, that doesn't explain why you looked like death at the exhibition."
My phone buzzes. Miles.
Miles:How's the first day going?
Me:Julie's interrogating me about the dying rumors.
Miles:Tell her the truth.
Me:Not ready yet.
Miles:She's your best friend. She'll find out eventually and then kill you.
He's right. But I'm not ready to tell the whole town yet. My brothers and Maggie knowing is enough for now.
"Emma." Julie's voice softens. "Whatever's going on, you can tell me. I'm here."
"I know. And I will tell you. Soon. I promise." I stand. "But right now I have a meeting with HR about benefits packages."
"This conversation isn't over."
"I know."
"We're getting drinks after dinner tonight. I'm not taking no for an answer."
"I can't do drinks?—"
"Then we're going shopping. Target. Seven PM. You're showing up or I'm coming to your house."
"That's bold."
"You've been avoiding me for weeks. I'm allowed to be bold."
